Flying Fox Horse Show – Day 2

An early start to morning chores, then off to the horse show at 7 AM. The first daffodil of the year greeted us and wished us luck.

Luck is always a factor, in horse showing, as in life. We showed in the 3′ Hunter Derby. The ring was beautiful, with a good first round course of ten jumps. Everyone was permitted to return for the Handy Round, which was very nice, meaning we got two trips no matter what we did in the first round. Often, only the top 12 horses return for the Handy, which adds considerable stress. The old ladies were very encouraged at the guarantee of two rounds.

Bart and I were not lucky. We had the very first jump down, which meant we could only score, at best, 45. Knowing that, I relaxed and had one of the best trips ever, because there was no more pressure. Bart was fabulous, and it was great fun.

Next in the ring was Jane, on Derry. They had a phenomenal first round. Jane rode beautifully, and Derry carried a great canter and jumped flawlessly.

The Handy round involves a trot jump. Bart was wonderful as we set off, feeling better than ever, and jumping well. But when I asked him to come back to the trot, he assumed I had reverted to my bad habit of pulling, so he ignored me and cantered to the trot jump. I couldn’t be mad at him, we have not practiced this exercise, because I am usually trying to get him to be more forward! Apart from that glaring error, Bart was on his game. Again, we had fun, which is why we do this.

Watching Jane was excruciating. Every jump was great, her turns were efficient, and her transition to trot was textbook. She was so chilly! I was more nervous every step, but no need to worry. It was a gorgeous round, and scored an 86! In the end, of 20 entries, Jane and Derry placed 2nd – a primary color and prize money, too! What a team, what a ride!

Our friend, JoJo, set jumps for us to prepare to go into the ring. We teased that she is an Irish horse specialist, since her farm in Columbia, Missouri is called “Just Cruising”, which references the great Irish jumper, Cruising. We laughed a lot, and I think that helped us. I know I was much less nervous today.

I took some random pictures around the show. It is nice that the worry about Covid has relaxed somewhat in this area. The feeling at the horse show was very much like “the old days”.

Diane Young judged the main Hunter Ring today. We were in Pony Club together, more than 50 years ago!

More friends…

Harry, of course, came to support us, and video us, and brought his trusty sidekick with him. He doesn’t stick around, though, so I had to wait until I got home to get a picture of my favorite dynamic duo.

Because I am an idiot, I had to make a quick run back to the horse show in the car for something I forgot. As it happened, I ran into Marilyn with Trigger and Roy.

I also saw a squirrel along the road.

It was a good day for the old ladies horse showing. I finished unpacking and doing evening chores just as the rain arrived, which will bring more moisture than we really need right now, but we are very thankful it’s not snow.

Be safe, be well, stay strong, be grateful. Peace.